2019 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino Magnum

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Description

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2019 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino

The 2019 Barolo Riserva Monfortino from Giacomo Conterno is one of the most anticipated wines from recent Barolo territory. This wine combines the impressive power of Nebbiolo with stunning precision and finesse. Each glass reveals an exceptional balance of concentration, structure, and elegance. According to Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate, the wine scores 100 points, with a drinking window extending from 2028 to 2060. This is a 1.5-liter magnum.

What makes this Monfortino unique is the selection of cru sites and the careful blending. Approximately 27% of the grapes come from the Arione plot, known for its refinement and finesse. The remaining grapes come from the renowned Francia plot, where the wine acquires its power, concentration, and long-lasting tannins. This combination of sites gives the wine a dynamic profile: powerful, yet refined and complex. It is precisely this balance that makes Monfortino an icon in Barolo.

the Giacomo Conterno winery

Giacomo Conterno is one of the most respected producers in Barolo and is known for his strict, precise style of Nebbiolo. Roberto Conterno, who currently heads the estate, only makes a Monfortino in exceptional years. For example, he decided not to make a Monfortino in 2016, believing the 2015 to be superior. The wine also came close to being made in 2017 and 2018, but due to a lack of ideal day-night temperature differences at the end of the growing season, production was cancelled. Conterno's attention to detail and discipline ensure that every Monfortino is a true expression of its terroir and the character of the vintage.

The estate has a long history in Barolo and has always focused on wines with exceptional aging potential. Monfortino is more than just a wine; it's a statement. It reflects the potential of Nebbiolo at its finest, with power, depth, and stunning elegance. Even in its youth, the wine is impressive, but only after years in the bottle do all its layers and nuances fully unfold.

tastings of 2019 Monfortino

Upon pouring, the deep ruby red color immediately catches the eye, radiating vitality and concentration. The nose opens gently, revealing aromas of roses, tar, cherries, and a subtle hint of dried fruit. As the wine breathes, complex notes of cocoa, leather, and light spices emerge, creating a rich aroma palette. The tasting experience of this wine is impressive: each sip reveals new nuances and a layering characteristic of a great Barolo.

The palate is powerful and concentrated, yet never heavy or ponderous. The tannins are firm and ripe, with a structure that perfectly balances the rich fruit. The finish is long and elegant, with a subtle earthiness that emphasizes the complexity of the terroir. Despite its youth, the 2019 Monfortino already displays a remarkable balance between power and finesse, and it is clear that this wine can age for decades without losing its quality.

blending and vinification

The Monfortino is a blend of Nebbiolo grapes from the finest cru sites in Conterno. Arione adds finesse and elegance, while Francia provides the core of power and structure. The grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand. Maceration and fermentation take place under strict control to maximize concentration and aromatic intensity. The wine is aged for a long time in large Slavonian oak barrels, allowing the complex tannins to slowly develop and giving the wine its long-lasting potential.

the terroir of Monfortino

The terroir plays a crucial role in the character of this wine. The hills of Barolo offer optimal drainage and a variety of soil types that contribute to the wine's complexity. The combination of clay and limestone, along with the microclimate of the crus, gives the wine its deep, mineral layers. It is this terroir, along with selective harvesting and vinification, that gives Monfortino its iconic profile.

wine and food pairings

The 2019 Monfortino pairs perfectly with dishes that can carry its strength and structure. Ideal pairings include slow-cooked beef, game dishes like venison or pheasant, rich pasta dishes with truffles, or robust cheeses. The firm tannins and concentrated fruit combine perfectly with intense flavors, while the elegant side of the Nebbiolo provides balance and refinement.

maturation and storage

At Grand Cru Wines, this Barolo is safely stored in a climate-controlled wine warehouse, where temperature and humidity are optimal. This allows the wine to fully develop and reach its exceptional aging potential. Decanting before serving is recommended to fully reveal its complexity and finesse.

Specifications

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Available as of Aug 14, 2025
Type of Wine Red
Country Italy
Region Piemonte
Appellation Barolo
Icons Icon Italy
Winery Giacomo Conterno
Grape Nebbiolo
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2019
Drinking as of 2028
Drinking till 2060
Alcohol % 14.5
Alcohol free/low No
Content 1.5 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 100
James Suckling rating 99
Vinous rating 99
Tasting Profiles Aards, Boers, Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Rood fruit, Tannines
Drink moments Indruk maken, Lekker luxe

Professional Reviews

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Parker

100

James Suckling

99

Vinous

99

Wijnhuis

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Giacomo Conterno is an iconic Italian wine producer based in the Barolo wine region of Piedmont, Italy. The winery is known for its traditional winemaking practices and dedication to producing high-quality Barolo's.

History of Giacomo Conterno

The winery was founded in 1908 by Giacomo Conterno in the town of Monforte d'Alba, located in the heart of the Barolo wine region in Piedmont, Italy. In its early years, the winery focused on making wines from Nebbiolo, the main grape variety used in the production of Barolo. After the death of Giacomo Conterno in 1930, his son Giovanni Conterno took over the estate. Giovanni continued the family tradition of producing high quality Barolo's. An important milestone for the winery was the acquisition of the Cascina Francia vineyard in the 1970s. Located in the municipality of Serralunga d'Alba, this vineyard became an important source for some of Giacomo Conterno's most prestigious wines. In the 1980s, a divorce occurred within the Conterno family, leading to the creation of two separate wineries, Giacomo Conterno and Aldo Conterno. Aldo, Giovanni's brother, subsequently founded his own successful winery.
Giacomo Conterno, under the leadership of Giovanni's son Roberto Conterno, continued the family's focus on traditional winemaking methods.

Production by Giacomo Conterno

Giacomo Conterno is often associated with the traditional style of Barolo production. Traditional Barolo is characterized by longer maceration periods and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels. These practices contribute to wines with complex flavors, firm tannins and excellent aging potential. It also has to do with the specific vineyards of the winery. The winery is located in the municipality of Monforte d'Alba, one of the most important areas within Barolo. Giacomo Conterno's specific vineyards include some of the best crus (individual vineyards) in the region, including the famous Cascina Francia vineyard. The estate's dedication to specific vineyards emphasizes the importance of terroir in the production of their wines. The Cascina Francia vineyard is also particularly important to Giacomo Conterno. The wines produced from this vineyard are highly sought after for their depth, structure and aging potential. Cascina Francia has been a major source for some of the estate's most prestigious Barolo wines.

Philosophy of Giacomo Conterno

Giacomo Conterno is known for his minimalist and traditional winemaking approach. The winery typically uses long maceration periods, maturation in large Slavonian oak barrels for an extended period and minimal intervention to allow the wines to express the characteristics of the terroir. Giacomo Conterno's wines are highly regarded among collectors and enthusiasts for their complexity and ability to showcase the unique characteristics of the region. The estate has played a major role in shaping Barolo's reputation as one of Italy's finest wine regions.

Attachments

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